West Papuans flee to the Torres Strait

Australian activist Ruben Blake, a spokesman for the recent "freedom flotilla" to the disputed province, believes the West Papuans were targeted during an Indonesian crackdown on independence supporters.

"Those six people needed to flee and we had information that they had fled," he said.

"We were not aware of where they would be going to.

"We have strong evidence it is these people that have arrived but we haven't been able to get in touch with them directly or Immigration, who has them in custody at the moment."

The ABC has sought comment from the Immigration Department and Minister.